Edinburgh: Kids Multi-Sensory Underground Small-Group Tour

If you’re traveling with children and want to introduce them to Edinburgh’s spooky side without the nightmarish horror, the Kids Multi-Sensory Underground Small-Group Tour offers a balanced mix of storytelling, history, and fun. This 75-minute adventure takes families through the winding closes of the Old Town, culminating beneath the streets in the famous Blair Street Underground Vaults—a place shrouded in tales of ghostly whispers and gruesome histories.

What I particularly like about this tour is how it makes Edinburgh’s less-glamorous past approachable and captivating for kids. The multi-sensory approach—using sounds, smells, and artifacts—keeps children engaged and makes history feel alive. The second standout is the guide, who, based on reviews, is both knowledgeable and friendly, with guides like Fay and Linda earning special mentions for their storytelling flair and kindness, especially towards children with different needs.

However, a small consideration is the group size and duration—at 75 minutes it’s suitable for younger attention spans, but families seeking a longer, more in-depth experience might find it on the short side. Also, since the tour involves walking through underground vaults, folks with mobility issues or wheelchair users might want to check accessibility options ahead of time, as the experience seems best suited for those who can manage some uneven surfaces and stairs.

This tour offers excellent value for families interested in a mix of history, fun, and a little spooky adventure**, especially given the positive reviews praising guides and the immersive atmosphere.

Key points / Takeaways

• Family-friendly: Designed for children aged 5 and up, with stories tailored to be spooky but not terrifying.
• Authentic artifacts: See real items found in Edinburgh’s secret vaults, adding a tangible connection to the past.
• Expert guides: Guides like Fay and Linda are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience enjoyable and accessible.
• Multi-sensory experience: Sounds of horse-drawn carriages, whispers, and smells bring Edinburgh’s dark history to life.
• Exclusive access: Includes entry into the Vaults Museum and Vaults Revealed film, providing extra context and visual interest.
• Balanced storytelling: Tales of witches, torture, and street life are delivered with humor and respect, appealing to both kids and adults.

An Engaging Start at Mercat Cross

The tour begins at the Mercat Cross, a historical landmark in Parliament Square. It’s a logical meeting point that sets the tone—you’re right in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic center. From there, your guide, whether it’s Fay, Ella, or Naomi, will lead you into the winding closes of the Old Town. These narrow alleyways are where some of Edinburgh’s most colorful—and grim—stories unfold, making them an ideal introduction for young explorers.

Discovering the Old Town’s Dark Secrets

The first leg of the tour is approximately 15 minutes of wandering through these ancient alleyways. Here, your guide shares stories of witch trials, body snatching, and grim urban life in the 19th century. One favorite from reviews: learning the meaning of “gardyloo”, a once-terrible cleaning practice involving throwing waste out of windows—definitely a story to make kids squirm and laugh. The guide’s skill lies in balancing amusing anecdotes with historical facts, keeping children engaged without overwhelming them.

You’ll also hear about scary characters lurking in Edinburgh’s past—from the cobbler who whispers stories of the vaults to a little boy named Jack. These tales are delivered with just the right amount of spookiness, as one reviewer noted that the guide brightened up the dark stories with humor.

The Vaults: A Multi-Sensory Step Back in Time

The highlight is the 45-minute tour of the Blair Street Underground Vaults. These vaults, once frequented by less-than-pleasant characters, feel a bit like walking into a horror movie set—minus the extras. Your guide will explain that the vaults had a reputation for being a hotbed of crime and perhaps even hauntings.

What sets this part apart is the multi-sensory experience: you’ll hear distant sounds like horse-drawn carriages, whispers, and perhaps even catch the faint echoes of past residents. The use of TourTalk audio devices ensures everyone hears the guide clearly, making the experience feel intimate despite the size of the group.

During the visit, you’ll see artifacts pulled from these vaults, which bring history to life. These objects, along with the Vaults Museum and the Vaults Revealed film, deepen your understanding of what life was like for the people who once called these underground spaces home.

What Kids Really Think

Reviewers consistently mention how well the tour strikes the right tone for children. Fay, Linda, and Ella are praised for their entertaining yet informative style, capable of balancing spooky stories with respect for the darker aspects of Edinburgh’s history. One reviewer noted their children, including those with autism, were “really well looked after,” highlighting the guides’ sensitivity.

The stories are often humorous, like tales of buried treasure (not shiny gold, but something more grisly) or the everyday lives of 19th-century schoolchildren. The interactive and sensory elements make the stories more memorable than a simple walk-and-talk.

Practical Aspects of the Tour

The total duration is around 75 minutes, which feels just right—long enough to get immersed without losing kids’ attention. The group size is small and intimate, with exclusive access to the vaults, creating a comfortable environment for children to ask questions.

Start at Mercat Cross and end at 28 Blair Street, making it a walkable experience that doesn’t require additional transportation. The tour runs year-round, but be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes since you’re walking through historic alleyways and underground spaces.

The cost is a reasonable value considering the exclusive access and multi-sensory approach. The experience is suitable for families who want a mix of history, adventure, and storytelling, especially those with kids aged 5 and over who enjoy a good spooky story but aren’t ready for the intense haunted house experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best for families with children curious about history and spooky stories, but who prefer stories told with humor and sensitivity. It’s also ideal for those interested in authentic artifacts and multi-sensory storytelling, offering a tangible connection to Edinburgh’s past. People with mobility concerns should check accessibility, as underground vaults can involve stairs.

For families seeking a fun, educational, and slightly spooky adventure, this tour hits the sweet spot. The guides’ knowledge and friendly demeanor make a big difference, and the stories are both entertaining and educational. The exclusive access to vaults and artifacts adds a layer of authenticity that many other tours can’t match.

Given the reviews praising the value and the guides’ personable approach, I’d say this is a strong choice for families with kids aged 5 and up who are ready to explore Edinburgh’s darker history in a way that’s engaging and accessible. It’s not a long, exhaustive history lesson, but rather an evocative snapshot of a city built on secrets and stories.

If your family loves tales of ghosts, witches, and underground mysteries, and you’re prepared for some walking, this tour offers a memorable and authentic experience that balances fun with history—perfect for a daytime adventure that sparks curiosity.

Is this tour suitable for very young children?
It’s recommended for kids age 5 and over. The stories are spooky but not terrifying, making it suitable for most children within that age range.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 75 minutes, including walking, storytelling, and exploring the vaults.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
While the tour involves underground vaults which might have stairs, it’s best to check with the provider if you have mobility issues or wheelchair needs, as the experience is primarily designed for able-bodied visitors.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advised since you’ll be walking outdoors and underground. No pets are allowed, but assistance dogs are permitted.

Is it a guided tour, or can I explore on my own?
It’s a guided tour led by a knowledgeable guide who uses audio devices for clarity. You get to explore specific locations with their storytelling.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the tour. You can reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

This experience offers an engaging and authentic glimpse into Edinburgh’s shadowy past, perfect for families eager to combine history with a dash of adventure. It’s well-loved by parents and children alike for its knowledgeable guides, fun stories, and unique underground setting—truly a memorable part of any Edinburgh visit.